Chinese food
Chinese Culinary Journey
Welcome to this wonderful journey on the tip of your tongue! China, this vast land, is not only blessed with magnificent landscapes and a long-standing history but also hides mouthwatering culinary treasures. From the bold roasted meats in the north to the delicate pastries in the Jiangnan region, from the fiery dishes in the southwest to the fresh seafood delicacies along the coast, every dish carries a unique regional culture and story. Now, follow in our footsteps and let's embark on a wonderful chapter of exploring Chinese cuisine!
1 Regional Cuisine Overview
North China
Bold flavors, wheat-based dishes, and hearty roasts
East China
Delicate flavors, seafood, and refined presentation
South China
Fresh ingredients, dim sum, and aromatic spices
Chinese Dining Tips
- Sharing Culture: Most Chinese meals are served family-style with shared dishes
- Eating Utensils: Chopsticks are standard, but forks are available upon request
- Tea Service: Tea is often served automatically and may incur a small fee
- Spice Levels: Specify your spice preference when ordering
- Street Food: Look for busy vendors with high turnover for the freshest options
2 North China Cuisine
North Chinese cuisine is characterized by its hearty, wheat-based dishes and bold flavors, reflecting the region's colder climate and agricultural traditions.
Beijing
Peking Duck
Price: US$ 30.00A whole roasted duck with shiny, crispy golden-brown skin and tender meat. Served with thin pancakes, scallion shreds, cucumber sticks, and sweet bean paste.
Zhajiangmian
Price: US$ 4.00Thick wheat noodles topped with savory fermented soybean paste and diced pork, served with fresh vegetable toppings like cucumber, radish, and mung bean sprouts.
Tianjin
Goubuli Baozi
Price: US$ 0.30Steamed buns with thin skins and generous fillings of minced pork, featuring neat pleats (at least 15 per bun) and a slightly sweet, savory flavor.
Jianbing Guozi
Price: US$ 1.50A crispy mung bean pancake wrapped around a fried fritter, egg, and seasonings like chili sauce and fermented tofu.
Hebei
Donkey Burger
Price: US$ 1.50Tender braised donkey meat stuffed into a crispy baked flatbread, often served with a side of pickled vegetables.
3 East China Cuisine
East Chinese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors, emphasis on freshness, and artistic presentation, with a focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Shanghai
Shengjian Bao
Price: US$ 1.50Pan-fried buns with a crispy golden bottom, soft dough top, and a juicy pork filling. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions.
Spare Ribs and Rice Cakes
Price: US$ 1.50Crispy deep-fried pork ribs paired with chewy rice cakes, coated in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze.
Jiangsu
Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab
Price: US$ 7.00Large crabs with bright orange roe and tender meat, steamed and served with ginger-infused vinegar.
Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup
Price: US$ 1.50A hearty soup with slippery rice vermicelli, duck blood, intestines, and tofu, flavored with a rich duck bone broth.
4 South China Cuisine
Southern Chinese cuisine features fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and a wide variety of dim sum, with influences from Cantonese and regional cooking styles.
Guangdong
Dim Sum
Price: US$ 5.00/steamerA variety of bite-sized dishes, including shrimp dumplings, steamed pork buns, and rice noodle rolls.
White-Cut Chicken
Price: US$ 10.00Poached chicken served with ginger-scallion dip, highlighting the bird's natural tenderness and simplicity.
Guangxi
Liuzhou Luosifen
Price: US$ 3.00Spicy and sour rice noodles in a snail broth, topped with pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and crispy tofu skin.
Guilin Rice Noodles
Price: US$ 3.00Chewy rice noodles served with braised beef, pickled green beans, and peanuts, flavored with a savory soy-based brine.
Chinese Food Experience Tips
- Try street food markets for authentic local flavors at affordable prices
- Don't miss breakfast foods like jianbing and baozi - they're delicious and inexpensive
- Ask locals for recommendations - they know the best spots that tourists might miss
- Be adventurous but mindful of food safety - choose busy vendors with high turnover
- Learn a few basic food-related phrases like "hǎo chī" (delicious) and "fúwùyuán" (waiter)
- Consider food tours for guided introductions to regional specialties
Ready to Taste Authentic Chinese Cuisine?
Book a professional local guide from WakaChina, and we'll take you to savor authentic Chinese cuisine!
Book a Food Tour